Get fired up for the hot season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z
When you think of summer, there are all kinds of events—like the beach, fireworks, and festivals.
As exciting as it is, summer also has a way of leaving you with a bittersweet feeling when the season comes to an end.
The J-pop scene is full of songs that capture those moments.
This time, we’ve focused on Gen Z and put together a selection of summer songs released around 2011 to 2024—the years that generation likely spent their youth.
Whether you’re part of that generation or not, this is a must-see!
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Turn up the heat of the season! Summer songs recommended for Gen Z (71–80)
Fanfaresumika
A refreshing song that carries a powerful message about breaking through the darkness of night to welcome a new morning.
It’s striking how the protagonist, once shut inside their shell, musters the courage to take a step into the outside world.
Many listeners will likely feel encouraged by the resolve to overcome hardship and trials and meet a new self.
Released in August 2018, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.” It’s also included on the album “AMUSIC” and is known as one of sumika’s signature works.
A perfect song to listen to before heading out for warm-weather activities, and recommended for those moments when you need courage to try something new.
In the Blueikimonogakari
A brisk, refreshing uptempo tune.
It portrays a coming-of-age story about a young person who, while cherishing encounters and bonds with friends, discovers their true self—imbued with the down-to-earth message characteristic of Ikimonogakari.
From March 2024, it has also been used in commercials as the theme song commemorating the 140th anniversary of Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider, and it was released as a double A-side single together with Harubaru!, the opening theme for the TV anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.
It’s the perfect track for karaoke with friends under the summer blue sky, or whenever you want a refreshing change of pace.
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
This song paints memories of youth that are as refreshing and bittersweet as a summer sky.
Tatsuya Kitani released it in July 2023.
It was chosen as the opening theme for Season 2 of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen and received a Special Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards.
The cool, refreshing melody and lyrics that weave together the pure relationships unique to adolescence, along with regret and a sense of loss, vividly awaken memories everyone has experienced.
It’s a perfect song to sing in an air-conditioned karaoke room on a hot summer day while reminiscing about the past.
Songs to spice up the hot season! Summer tracks recommended for Gen Z (81–90)
summer squallarashi
A captivating song featuring a refreshing melody and encouraging lyrics that color the passionate summer of Koshien.
Produced as Asahi Broadcasting’s “Summer High School Baseball Support Song,” this track perfectly blends the energetic sound crafted by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu with lyrics that cheer on high school baseball players who give their all.
Released in July 2018, it was later included in the album “5×20 All the BEST!! 1999-2019” and has been beloved by many fans.
It’s the perfect song not only for players aiming for Koshien, but also for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of summer youth, hard work, and passion for their dreams.
sparkleFuji Kaze
An ambitious work by Fujii Kaze with a striking vibe reminiscent of ’80s–’90s dance music.
Even amid life’s hardships and rapid changes, you can overcome them as long as you’re with the one you love.
The lyrics carry that uplifting message, perfectly matched with a breezy, lighthearted melody.
Released in May 2021, it was performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in December of the same year via a remote appearance from his family home in Satoshō, Okayama Prefecture.
It’s the perfect track not only for July drives in the height of summer, but also for karaoke sessions indoors with the AC on.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
This is a memorable masterpiece distinguished by a gentle melody that embraces the poignant scenes of late summer and the fleeting nature of youth.
Set against fireworks and dusk, it depicts the intertwining feelings of wanting to treasure this moment and the anxiety toward a changing future.
Seamlessly harmonizing Fujifabric’s beautiful musicality with the delicate worldview of its lyrics, the song was released in November 2007 as their 10th single and served as the lead single for the album “TEENAGER.” It was also featured as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Onmoe!” and as an insert song in Fuji TV’s 2013 drama “SUMMER NUDE,” captivating the hearts of many.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you wish to immerse yourself in precious memories, or when you need a gentle push before taking a new step forward.
August 888 — This is way too much summerrisaitaruzu
Recitals is a music unit formed by three members of Tokai On Air: Tetsuya, Toshimitsu, and Shibayu.
Shibayu is in charge of the lyrics, and the unit’s charm lies in its wildly imaginative and hilarious writing—so much so that, compared to countless other comic songs, it not only holds its own but could even be said to surpass them.
Their well-known summer tune is “888th Month ~Summer Gone Too Far~.” The track itself is refreshing, but the lyrics are pretty out there, and even if you don’t know them, you’ll probably find yourself laughing at the absurd lines.
